Protein absorption

[LindsayT 559]

I read that we can only absorb 30g of Protein per meal. Is this true? What have you heard from your nutritionist? Thanks in advance!

Edit: Does this include all types... whey and collagen specifically.

[RickM 1,747]

Basically, no. We do hear this from time to time but I have no idea where it came from (as far as legitimate scientific sources.} I can buy into the idea that Protein absorption would decrease some with increasing amounts in a meal, that wouldn't be unusual biologically (as in the first 30g is fully absorbed, the next 30 only 90%, etc.) But looking at it from an evolutionary perspective, our ancestors would gorge themselves on an antelope when they killed one, and then have relatively little protein for several days until they had another successful hunt. They got along just fine.

That said, I generally do break it up during the day, but that's more of a balance thing, in order to also get in the appropriate amount of fruits, veg, grains, legumes, etc., though it can take a while before one gets to the point of doing that other than in token amounts (though good for helping to establish good long term habits!)

[catwoman7 10,881]

I've always heard that, too, but I don't know if there's hardcore research behind that. Although that said, it's probably a good idea to break it up regardless, so you're getting some Protein several times a day (at least three times - maybe more if you're allowed Snacks between meals)

[LindsayT 559]

44 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

I've always heard that, too, but I don't know if there's hardcore research behind that. Although that said, it's probably a good idea to break it up regardless, so you're getting some Protein several times a day (at least three times - maybe more if you're allowed Snacks between meals)

I do break it up. My drink in the morning has whey and collagen (mostly colagen) and I need to add more whey which puts me over the magic 30g. Just trying to figure out if I'm wasting Protein at this point.

[Arabesque 6,501]

I’ve heard it too from various sources. But then think of all the other ‘facts’ we believed as true & then …

I eat my Protein throughout the day: all meals & Snacks contain protein (except fruit of course 😉). How much protein are you advised to eat?

We’re usually told collagen isn’t a complete protein (missing some essential amino acids) & it shouldn't be counted in your daily total. Consider it a bonus for other benefits. Whey is fine. But do check with your dietician.

[LindsayT 559]

I knew about the collagen, that's why I added more whey to this drink. Between the Protein shot, which is collagen and whey, and the whey I add it's a total of about 39g. The company won't give me the exact breakdown of its product, so i'm not 100% collagen vs. whey. I know there is at least 14g of whey that i add. I just want to make sure that what I drink for Breakfast is all absorb. Otherwise, I will need to break it up. I don't like to actually eat breakfast, it messes with my stomach.

All my meals contain protein 😉

[Arabesque 6,501]

22 hours ago, LindsayT said:

I don't like to actually eat breakfast, it messes with my stomach.

All my meals contain Protein 😉

I never felt great after breakfast either. For years I didn’t eat it then thought I ‘should’ as I usually missed lunch so I’d eat it around 6am because I started work early. But since my surgery, & not working anymore, I discovered I’m better having breakfast later in the morning - about 9am. If I have it before 8am it seems to just sit there, my tummy grumbles & gurgles more & I feel sort of blah. I find the things we discover about ourselves since the surgery so interesting.

It seems the protein content in the shots is the whey protein content so 25g whey protein is 25g of complete protein you can count. They must not include the amount of collagen in the shots as it can’t be counted for our goals.

Maybe just sip the shot for longer & more like a drink. It may be easier on your tummy in the morning & would lengthen the time frame in which you’re consuming the protein???

[LindsayT 559]

12 minutes ago, Arabesque said:

I never felt great after breakfast either. For years I didn’t eat it then thought I ‘should’ as I usually missed lunch so I’d eat it around 6am because I started work early. But since my surgery, & not working anymore, I discovered I’m better having breakfast later in the morning - about 9am. If I have it before 8am it seems to just sit there, my tummy grumbles & gurgles more & I feel sort of blah. I find the things we discover about ourselves since the surgery so interesting.

It seems the Protein content in the shots is the whey protein content so 25g whey protein is 25g of complete protein you can count. They must not include the amount of collagen in the shots as it can’t be counted for our goals.

Maybe just sip the shot for longer & more like a drink. It may be easier on your tummy in the morning & would lengthen the time frame in which you’re consuming the protein???

That's what I do, plus I add about 8 oz of Water to the shot. I take all my mornings meds and Vitamins with the protein as well. It takes me forever to get it all in. If I take my medications too fast it upset my stomach. "She" is very temperamental in the morning.